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Back to Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity by Stanford University

4.9
stars
3,153 ratings

About the Course

In this course we will seek to “understand Einstein,” especially focusing on the special theory of relativity that Albert Einstein, as a twenty-six year old patent clerk, introduced in his “miracle year” of 1905. Our goal will be to go behind the myth-making and beyond the popularized presentations of relativity in order to gain a deeper understanding of both Einstein the person and the concepts, predictions, and strange paradoxes of his theory. Some of the questions we will address include: How did Einstein come up with his ideas? What was the nature of his genius? What is the meaning of relativity? What’s “special” about the special theory of relativity? Why did the theory initially seem to be dead on arrival? What does it mean to say that time is the “fourth dimension”? Can time actually run more slowly for one person than another, and the size of things change depending on their velocity? Is time travel possible, and if so, how? Why can’t things travel faster than the speed of light? Is it possible to travel to the center of the galaxy and return in one lifetime? Is there any evidence that definitively confirms the theory, or is it mainly speculation? Why didn’t Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the theory of relativity? About the instructor: Dr. Larry Lagerstrom is the Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, which offers graduate certificates in subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data mining, nanotechnology, innovation, and management science. He holds degrees in physics, mathematics, and the history of science, has published a book and a TED Ed video on "Young Einstein: From the Doxerl Affair to the Miracle Year," and has had over 30,000 students worldwide enroll in his online course on the special theory of relativity (this course!)....

Top reviews

JJ

Jan 12, 2024

Excellent course -- one of the best I've ever taken! It is unsurprisingly not an easy topic, but the concepts are explained very well, and the assignments are relevant to grasping the ideas.

AP

Aug 12, 2020

It was wonderful experience to know the special theory of relativity from Larry, who has presented the course in very simple way to understand. Thanks a lot to Larry for providing such a good session.

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801 - 825 of 1,088 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Gianni T

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Sep 23, 2022

Wish I had a professor like this one 40 years ago.

By Hamza I

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Sep 14, 2020

A very comprehensive and a well thought-out course.

By Peter H

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Apr 16, 2020

Superb course and a superb lecturer. Thanks so much

By Candice M

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Aug 24, 2021

Great teacher, I loved learning about this course.

By Nana H

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Nov 26, 2020

Easy to understand and very motivating. Thank you!

By Narmadha K

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Oct 27, 2020

Hi! Could you update my free certificate? Thankyou

By Defne T

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Jun 27, 2019

Very easy to understand! Great pace for beginners

By HARSH P

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Oct 22, 2017

Excellent teaching ..

Thank you so much professor.

By Wei-shun B

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Sep 28, 2017

Very clear explanation with minimal prerequisites

By Jauza K

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Jun 25, 2022

I love this course! It's easy to understand it.

By Gerd D B

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Mar 5, 2022

Just awesome! My compliments to Dr. Lagerstrom!

By Maria J V

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Dec 19, 2021

Excellent Course, congratulations and thank you!

By Marius G

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Jul 6, 2020

Clear and concise course on this exciting topic!

By Rajat B

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Feb 1, 2019

great course that explains concepts really well!

By Ayman G

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May 23, 2021

Amazing Course , Great Instructor, Thanks a lot

By Luca S

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Nov 17, 2020

you explained this course very well. thank you!

By Ann H

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Dec 27, 2018

Superb course. Engrossing from start to finish!

By Richard J

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Jan 13, 2017

great...but need some documents...or text book.

By Gustavo A T M

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Apr 13, 2021

Thank you for the oportunity. Excelent course.

By Mohammed I

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Mar 22, 2018

Excellent Presentation by Dr Larry Lagerstrom.

By KLISMAN A D C

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Aug 2, 2023

BEST COURSE OF SPECIAL THEORY, THANKS TEACHER

By William L N

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Sep 14, 2021

Excellent material and instructor. Thank you

By Jeffrey M

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Jun 27, 2021

Just awesome! Easy to follow and fascinating.

By José L C

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Jan 13, 2021

The teaches explains clearly all the concepts

By Mohammad E

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Jun 5, 2019

Understand the marvelous structure of reality